Online Recipe Book

Steamed Broccoli

Source
Adapted from "Best American Side Dishes", by America's Test Kitchen, c2005, p173
Yield
2 to 3 servings
Prep info
15 min prep + 5 min cook + 2 min finish
Prep time
Not set
Cook time
22 minutes
Time required
22 minutes
Oven preheat
N/A
Type
Side
Status
Not tried
Tags

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb broccoli (florets cut into 1" pieces; stalk peeled and cut into 1" pieces)
  • 1 T extra virgin olive oil
  • salt (to taste)
  • freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Sesame Vinaigrette:
  • 2 T sesame seeds (toasted in a small dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes)
  • 1/2 T soy sauce
  • 2 t rice vinegar
  • 1/2 T sugar
  • 1/2 t toasted sesame oil
  • 3 T vegetable oil
  • Balsamic-Basil Vinaigrette
  • 1 T balsamic vinegar
  • 3 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 t minced basil leaves (fresh)
  • 1/2 t minced garlic
  • 1 T minced shallot
  • salt (to taste)
  • freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Spanish Green Herb Sauce
  • 1/4 c fresh parsley leaves (loosely packed)
  • 1/4 c fresh cilantro leaves (loosley packed)
  • 1 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1.5 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 T lemon juice
  • 1/4 t salt

Method

1. Fit a wide saucepan with a steamer basket.  Add water, keeping the water level below the basket.  Cover and bring the water to a boil over high heat. 

2. Add the broccoli to the basket.  Cover and steam until the broccoli is just tender, 4.5 to 5 minutes. 

3. Transfer the broccoli to a serving bowl and toss with the oil and salt and pepper to taste.  Serve hot or at room temperature.

Variations

Steamed Broccoli with Sesame Vinaigrette

Process the vinaigrette ingredients in a food processor until the sesame seeds are ground and the vinaigrette is well-blended, about 15 seconds.  Toss the dressing with the broccoli in a serving bowl.  Serve hot or at room temperature.

Steamed Broccoli with Balsamic-Basil Vinaigrette

Mix the vinaigrette ingredients together in a serving bowl until well blended.  Toss the dressing with the steamed broccoli.  Serve hot or at room temperature.

Steamed Broccoli with Spanish Green Herb Sauce

Process the sauce ingredients together in a food processor until smooth.  Toss the herb sauce with the steamed broccoli in a serving bowl.  Serve hot or at room temperature.

Notes

Notes from Source: Cutting the florets and peeled stalks into equal-size pieces ensures they will all cook at the same rate.  The sweet flavor of the steamed broccoli pairs well with bold, bright flavors.  Serve it with best-quality olive oil or your favorite vinaigrette, or try one of the vinaigrette recipes that follow.  For maximum absorption, toss steamed broccoli with the oil or dressing when hot.  The broccoli can be served immediately or cooled to room temperature.